How long can a meth high last
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Duration of Methamphetamine High: Insights from Research
Methamphetamine High Duration and Behavioral Effects
Methamphetamine (METH) is known for its potent and long-lasting effects on the brain and behavior. The duration of a meth high can vary significantly depending on the dosage and the pattern of use. Research indicates that high doses of methamphetamine can lead to prolonged behavioral and neurochemical changes.
Acute Effects and Duration of High
A study simulating human methamphetamine bingeing in rats found that continuous drug administration over 72 hours resulted in intense behavioral effects, including oral stereotypies and lack of sleep, which persisted throughout the binge period2. This suggests that a meth high can last for several days when taken in high doses continuously.
Long-Term Behavioral and Neurochemical Consequences
The long-term consequences of methamphetamine use are significant. High doses of METH can cause lasting damage to dopamine and serotonin neurons. For instance, in rats, impairments in behavior were observed for up to 18 weeks after the onset of high-dose METH treatment, although these impairments did not persist into middle age1. Additionally, methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity in mice showed that dopaminergic markers remained below control levels for up to 95 days post-administration4.
Neurochemical Recovery Post-Meth Use
Despite the prolonged high and initial neurochemical deficits, some recovery is possible. In a study where rats were exposed to a 72-hour meth binge, decrements in regional brain dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels were noted, but most of these levels recovered by 48 hours post-binge, except for certain areas like the caudate-putamen and frontal cortex2. This indicates that while the high can last for days, some neurochemical recovery can begin within a couple of days after cessation.
Cellular Changes and Recovery
Methamphetamine also induces significant cellular changes. A single high dose of METH in mice led to striatal cell loss, with new cell proliferation occurring within 24-48 hours post-METH. However, a substantial portion of these newly generated cells showed signs of necrosis or apoptosis up to 12 weeks post-METH, indicating long-lasting cellular damage5.
Conclusion
In summary, the duration of a methamphetamine high can extend over several days, especially with continuous high-dose use. The acute effects are intense and can include severe behavioral changes and lack of sleep. Long-term use results in significant neurochemical and cellular damage, with some recovery occurring within days to weeks post-use. However, the full extent of recovery and the long-term behavioral consequences can persist for months. Understanding these effects is crucial for addressing the public health challenges posed by methamphetamine abuse.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The effects of high-dose methamphetamine in the aging rat: differential reinforcement of low-rate 72-s schedule behavior and neurochemistry.
High-dose methamphetamine treatment in aging rats leads to serotonin depletions, but three regimens do not cause greater behavioral or neurochemical deficits than one regimen.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyHUMAN METHAMPHETAMINE PHARMACOKINETICS SIMULATED IN THE RAT: BEHAVIORAL AND NEUROCHEMICAL EFFECTS OF A 72- HOUR BINGE
A 72-hour meth binge in rats leads to behavioral effects and neurochemical deficits, suggesting that human meth users experience time-dependent neurochemical deficits in their brains.
Non-RCTAnimal Study
Rigorous JournalSubstrates of Energy Metabolism Attenuate Methamphetamine‐Induced Neurotoxicity in Striatum
Delaying the use of energy metabolism supplements after methamphetamine administration can reduce long-term striatal dopamine depletions.
Non-RCT
Highly CitedMethamphetamine-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity in mice Long-lasting sensitization to the locomotor stimulation and desensitization to the rewarding effects of methamphetamine
Methamphetamine-induced striatal dopaminergic neurotoxicity leads to long-lasting sensitization to the drug's psychomotor-stimulating effect and desensitization to its rewarding properties, potentially impacting psychopathology of METH abuse.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyA single high dose of methamphetamine induces apoptotic and necrotic striatal cell loss lasting up to 3 months in mice
A single high dose of methamphetamine causes striatal cell loss lasting up to 3 months in mice, with 30% of newly generated cells showing pyknotic or necrotic morphology by 12 weeks post-exposure.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyRigorous JournalBehavioral Consequences of Methamphetamine‐Induced Neurotoxicity in Mice: Relevance to the Psychopathology of Methamphetamine Addiction
Methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity in mice leads to long-lasting sensitization to the drug's psychomotor stimulating effect and reduced sensitivity to its rewarding properties, potentially impacting the psychopathology of METH abuse.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyA review of the clinical pharmacology of methamphetamine.
Methamphetamine can produce positive effects at low doses (5-30 mg) and can cause psychosis, cardiovascular complications, and neurotoxicity at higher doses.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly CitedMethamphetamine abuse
Methamphetamine use leads to permanent brain damage and severe oral health effects, with heavy soft drink use further contributing to these effects.
Highly CitedMethamphetamine induces long-term changes in GABAA receptor alpha2 subunit and GAD67 expression.
Chronic high dose methamphetamine (METH)-induced sensitization involves inhibition of GABA transmission in the nucleus accumbens, while activation of GABA transmission in the caudate is associated with neurotoxicity.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyMethamphetameve-induced changes in activity and water intake during light and dark cycles in rats
High doses of methamphetamine increase activity during the dark cycle and transiently increase water intake in rats, potentially due to depletion of central dopamine and serotonin.
Non-RCTAnimal Study